PARIS ��Until recently, France�s public broadcasterRadio Francehas opted not to broadcast via DAB +.� To do so was deemed too expensive, especially due to budget cuts, according toradio.nl. Listeners have to be satisfied with FM.
Despite the fact that Radio France transmits FM from the top of the Eiffel tower, there have been reception problems in parts of Paris, particularly in the eastern suburb of Bagnolet. Several FM transmitters are now operating from Les Mercuriales, the twin towers along Paris� ring road (shown at right). The strength of the local signals around that area is effectively de-sensing FM radios. Radio.nl goes on to say that about 40,000 households are thus affected.
In an obvious case of “if you can�t beat them, join them”, Radio France has now started testing DAB+ in order to circumvent the interference problem. The preliminary test includes France Bleu Paris, France Info, France Inter, France Culture, France Musique and FIP. The test is carried out in cooperation with media regulator CSA and transmitter operatorTower Cast.
�
�
